Welding is a fundamental process for most manufacturing businesses, but costs can stack up fast. Depending on the material and equipment that you use, as well as the type of job, welding isn’t always the most economical of tasks. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can make it cheaper.
#1 Budget for the helmet
A welding helmet is one of the most important pieces of kit that you’ll own. It protects you from harm while maintaining good vision and ensuring a quality finish. Most helmets are overpriced, though, and don’t offer any better safety features than their cheaper counterparts. Welding helmets go through rigorous safety tests, and as long as they meet those criteria, they’re safe to use, regardless of the price. You can usually find a high quality welding helmet in the range of $50-$60, although many cost much more and even several hundreds of dollars. Shop around, compare prices and features and settle on the best deal.
#2 Choose your welding rods and kit carefully
The type of welding rod you use depends in part on the job at hand. For example, if you’re joining two incompatible alloys, the chances are that you’ll need bronze welding rods, but most tasks offer a little more flexibility, allowing you to make savings. Plastic welding kits, for example, are growing in popularity amongst welders across the world. Not only is plastic much cheaper than steel or bronze, but it comes with its own set of distinct advantages. Plastic is an excellent insulator, and it’s extremely robust, which means that it resists moisture, mold, and algae, so it will last for a long time. Rather than going straight for more expensive rods and kits, take a look at plastic, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
#3 Buy rods online
Buying welding rods online is universally cheaper than buying them in person. Depending on where your business is located, you might not even have to pay tax on welding kits bought online, saving you more money. Not only are online rods cheaper, but buying over the internet gives you more scope for comparison. Rather than going from supplier to supplier, you can compare prices and quality at the click of a mouse. A little research goes a long way with welding rods. Buying online makes it far easier to secure the best price for the best kit.
#4 Search scrap piles
Last but not least, no self-respecting welder should overlook the scrap pile! Your local steel yard will sell heaps of discounted steel for knock-down prices. The bargains on offer at the scrap pile can sometimes feel like steals. Metal that’s already been cut on usually goes for the cheapest price, and don’t be misled by the idea of “scrap.” Much of the steel in the scrap yard has barely been touched, making it perfect for your next job, no matter how big or small. Sourcing steel in this way is great for the planet, too, as it means less waste in landfill sites.
